Under mounting political pressure due to the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border, President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at curbing the influx of asylum seekers.
This new directive will temporarily halt asylum requests once the average number of daily encounters exceeds 2,500 between official ports of entry, as confirmed by a senior administration official.
In a speech at the White House announcing the order, Biden emphasized, “The border is not a political issue to be weaponized.”
The shutdown is set to go into immediate effect, given that the threshold has already been surpassed. The border will only reopen for asylum requests once the average number of daily encounters drops to 1,500.
This executive order is based on sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing the suspension of entry for noncitizens who unlawfully cross the southern border into the United States.
READ ALSO:
2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Debut New Jersey Against Bafana Bafana
According to senior administration officials, individuals who cross the southern border unlawfully or without authorization will generally be ineligible for asylum, except under exceptionally compelling circumstances outlined in the proclamation.
Officials further explained that migrants who do not meet the “credible fear” requirement when applying for asylum will be subject to immediate removal.
“We anticipate that we will be removing those individuals in a matter of days, if not hours,” the officials noted during a call with reporters on Tuesday.
Details of this long-anticipated move were conveyed to lawmakers on Monday, with confirmation of the executive order coming on Tuesday morning. President Biden elaborated on the new measures in the East Room of the White House, accompanied by mayors from several border towns.
Texas state Representative Eddie Morales Jr., whose district includes Eagle Pass, expressed support for the new measures. “It’s definitely a step in the right direction. One of a number of steps that are necessary for us to be able to secure the border”, Morales stated.
READ ALSO:
Man City Initiates Legal Proceedings Against Premier League Over Financial Regulations
The executive order aims to address the complexities of managing the southern border and underscores the administration’s commitment to a more orderly and regulated immigration process.
The immediate effect of the shutdown is expected to alleviate some of the strain on border facilities and resources, providing a temporary reprieve while longer-term solutions are considered.
Biden’s administration has faced significant criticism from both sides of the political spectrum regarding border security and immigration policies. This executive order represents a decisive action in response to those criticisms and aims to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the current influx of migrants.
As the situation develops, the administration will likely face both legal challenges and political pushback. However, officials remain confident that this executive order is a necessary and lawful step towards restoring order and security at the southern border.